My names Patrick and I'm from Richmond, Va, but I also spend some time up in Harrisonburg, Va as I attend classes at JMU (double major; Political Science/Public Policy Administration.) Ever since I was little I've always loved barbecue, but now that I'm older and can appreciate food I haven't been able to find anywhere that makes barbecue that I'm crazy about. I love a lot of smoke in my barbecue and most places around here just don't cut it. So I thought, why not do it myself? I originally started in a crock-pot (I know I know; its not real barbecue, its pulled pork), but of course it lacked that smoke flavor (Liquid smoke never seemed to help) So I manned up and bought a MES 30 off Amazon. It just came in yesterday and I've got it all put together now, going to pre-season it tomorrow and do my first smoke Tuesday. I've been perusing around the site looking at rubs, recipes, and everything in between. I can't wait to get smoking. Thanks for stopping by.

My names Patrick and I'm from Richmond, Va, but I also spend some time up in Harrisonburg, Va as I attend classes at JMU (double major; Political Science/Public Policy Administration.) Ever since I was little I've always loved barbecue, but now that I'm older and can appreciate food I haven't been able to find anywhere that makes barbecue that I'm crazy about. I love a lot of smoke in my barbecue and most places around here just don't cut it. So I thought, why not do it myself? I originally started in a crock-pot (I know I know; its not real barbecue, its pulled pork), but of course it lacked that smoke flavor (Liquid smoke never seemed to help) So I manned up and bought a MES 30 off Amazon. It just came in yesterday and I've got it all put together now, going to pre-season it tomorrow and do my first smoke Tuesday. I've been perusing around the site looking at rubs, recipes, and everything in between. I can't wait to get smoking. Thanks for stopping by.

Hello Fellow Newbie and Virginian !
Welcome to the Forum, nicest bunch of people you could find here, and they all share and help, you will love it
I just got one myself, have not seasoned it yet, did a rack mod to it and waiting for the extra 3 racks I ordered from Master Built Directly, they are cheaper if you can afford to wait .....................as soon as they get here I will season it and I will post my rack mod with pis and procedure, now I will have 8 racks for Jerky !
I am starting up with Jerky, and wet brining and curing the meat prior to cold smoke and dehydrating the Jerk, can't wait to get it rolling !